How to clean plexiglass from scratches. Polishing plexiglass. Alternative Sanding Methods

Polymer solid transparent material called plexiglass. Although there are quite a lot of other names - plexiglass, acryplast, carboglass and others. It is often used instead ordinary glass in the automotive industry, aviation and other industries. But despite all the advantages of the material, it happens that it becomes cloudy or damaged. And then the task arises of how to polish plexiglass with your own hands.

General requirements for work performance

Polishing is carried out using low-abrasive compounds. And at the same time, it is necessary to avoid the use of aggressive substances. It is worth considering that it is easiest to do the work when the plexiglass is removed from the structure. When this is not possible, adjacent areas of the surface should be protected with tape.

Usually, if the surface to be polished is small, the work is done manually. But it’s easier, cheaper and faster to get the desired result when using a grinder. For example, it is best to polish car headlights with it. This kind of work can be done in several ways, and sometimes you have to wonder what you can use to polish plexiglass.

Methods of execution

Using sandpaper and polishing paste

The necessary equipment for polishing will require:

sandpaper 2000 and 800;
soft rag, felt or felt;
polishing paste.

Initially, sandpaper No. 800 is used; the workpiece can be moistened with water. As a result, small scratches will be removed (evened out) and the surface will become matte. There's nothing wrong with that, that's how it should be. The main thing is that it is smooth and without visible signs of damage.

Then the surface begins to be treated with sandpaper No. 2000, after which the glass becomes transparent and the scratches disappear. The use of polish can improve the quality of grinding. It is applied to a soft fabric (flannel, felt, felt, etc.), and then the entire surface is treated with uniform movements. This continues until the desired result is obtained.

A variation of the considered method can be considered the option when one is limited to polishing with sandpaper (if the part is not critical and its transparency does not play a special role). Or when only polish is used without preliminary sanding. You can learn more about this from the video:

Using GOI paste

In principle, this is almost the same method as the previously discussed one. Only in this case, instead of polish, GOI paste is used. The polishing technology is actually the same - first the surface is treated with emery cloth, and then the final gloss is applied with GOI paste. Its characteristics and features of use can be found here:

More details about polishing technology in this way are described here:

Treating glass surfaces using auto polishes

To restore the quality of surfaces, you can use various auto cosmetic products designed to eliminate minor scratches and damage. In principle, the work is carried out as follows - car polish is applied to the surface, and then it is rubbed with a soft cloth, or a sander, or special nozzle for the Bulgarian.

But it is better to first read the instructions for use of the product and conduct a test test for small area surfaces.

The polishing methods mentioned are far from the only ones; there are others, for example, using toothpaste, but these are already options for critical situations; usually the considered methods for restoring the transparency of plexiglass are sufficient.

Sometimes we damage the glass of watches, phones or transparent surfaces without intentionally various devices. To eliminate scratches that appear, it is quite enough to simply polish the surface of the plexiglass. And you can do this yourself, including at home.

In the process of processing plexiglass, for example, after cutting, sometimes rough, rough edges remain, or after some time of use, cracks and defects appear. Often, a product made of polymer glass may completely lose its original appearance, for example, become dull or distort the image. Therefore, the problem of returning plexiglass to its original form will sooner or later affect many. For example, you often have to clean and polish plexiglass in shower stalls and other accessories in bathrooms.

Why is plexiglass polished?

One of the main features of plexiglass is its transparency, thanks to which synthetic glass is successfully used instead of real glass. Therefore, as soon as plexiglass loses its transparency properties, it turns into ordinary plastic. Of course, in some cases, for example, when the scratches are deep and the surface has become too dull, you cannot return the original state of the plastic glass, but it is not at all necessary to polish it to a perfect shine. It will be possible to simply remove clearly visible defects, and then update your surface with color film. Correctly applied film will change your product, and at the same time strengthen the glass.

Grinding process

If, over time, cracks and scratches form on your product, and the transparency property is no longer observed, then use the tips in the video and do your own polishing at home. Without a doubt, such work will require some patience from you and will take more than one hour of time, but all this will be compensated by the updated appearance of the plexiglass surface.

If you do not have sufficient experience, then it is better to carry out polishing procedures manually so as not to completely damage the plexiglass.

In order to correctly complete all the steps, you need to prepare all the necessary tools and remove the glass from the product. When glass surface will be located outside the product, the process will be significantly simplified in time and will become much more convenient. The working surface is covered with adhesive tape, which should be of high quality so as not to leave behind traces of glue.

First, the surface must be sanded. To do this you will need sandpaper and water. You can choose the skin yourself, for example, 800 will do.
The sanding process begins with cleaning the surface with sandpaper. You need to work carefully, and most importantly evenly. The surface is sanded until the plexiglass becomes dull. During the process, you need to pay attention to the appearance of various defects, for example, potholes.
After the glass has become completely frosted, replace the number of the sandpaper, now you will need number 2000. Already in the process of work you will see how the glass becomes transparent.
Sand the surface until the plexiglass becomes as transparent as possible. If at the end of the work you notice more defects, then switch back to sandpaper number 800 and repeat the operation.
Then the surface is wiped.

Polishing process

For the final stage you will need additional funds, for example, paste for polishing plexiglass, it can be purchased at a hardware store after consulting with the seller.

The polish is applied to a cloth with a soft base, with the help of which the surface is polished with uniform movements. The process is considered complete when the glass acquires a shine. Remove the tape and insert our plastic glass into the product.

Polishes

The success of the entire enterprise largely depends on the right choice polishing paste. The paste must match the brand of plexiglass, and reviews on the use of polish for surface treatment vary greatly. Therefore, we recommend using proven products, in particular, GOI paste. GOI paste got its name in honor of the State Optical Institute, where it was developed in the 30s of the last century for polishing optical glasses, known for their highest requirements. Of course, GOI also has a number of disadvantages, for example, it contains chromium oxide, which should also not be forgotten when working.

For our needs, medium-grain GOI is suitable, which can be recognized by its green color.

In fact, many modern means can cope with surface rubbing, you just need to carefully read the instructions. So, polishing paste for plexiglass should not contain ammonia, which gives the surface a porosity that is incompatible with transparency. Excessive graining also harms the surface.

To polish polymer glass, you can even use tooth powder, which is applied with a cloth.

Polishing methods

If you have sufficient skill, you can use a grinder, both special and improvised, for which you can adapt an electric drill, equipping it with a special attachment. In this case, there is no need to use high speeds to avoid overheating of the surface. Overheating can result in surface microcracks that negatively affect transparency.

What to do if all the above attempts did not bring the desired result? In this case, experts advise painting the surface or using colored film.

During operation of plexiglass products under the influence external factors scratches and damage may occur. But, knowing how to polish plexiglass, you can get rid of defects and return the surface to its original shine and smoothness. Except necessary tools and materials for polishing, you need to be patient, as this process is quite painstaking and requires accuracy. Of course, the easiest way is to turn to specialists, especially if a large item needs polishing, such as pieces of furniture or a plexiglass aquarium, but you can do it yourself.

How to polish plexiglass at home?

To polish organic glass, GOI paste is most often used, applied to a polishing wheel or soft polishing cloth. It is also possible to use fine-grained sandpaper. Any product used to polish plexiglass should contain only fine abrasive particles, otherwise it will only get worse, because large particles will damage the surface and the glass will become cloudy.

How to polish scratched plexiglass?

If the scratches are not very deep, then you can do the following:

Apply GOI paste No. 2 (thin paste with fine abrasive particles) onto a soft flannel or felt cloth. There is no need to apply the paste directly to the plexiglass so that the excess does not scratch the surface. Spread the cloth on the table and simply rub it with a bar of paste.
You need to drop a little spindle oil on the product and start polishing. Movements should be careful, there is no need to press too hard on the surface. Polish until desired result is obtained, adding oil if necessary.

In cases where there are deep scratches, it is necessary to use fine-grained sandpaper.

Wet the plexiglass and the skin with water using a spray bottle. The moisture level must be maintained at all times.
Polish the surface carefully to the desired result.
Dry the product and apply GOI paste using a soft cloth.

Now you know how to polish plexiglass. It's really not difficult and with a little patience, your plexiglass items will shine like new.

During the operation of plexiglass, there always comes a time when it is necessary to return it to its original appearance. On a surface glass panel various defects appear. It is necessary to carefully study how to polish plexiglass at home before taking on this painstaking task.

Why polishing is needed

It is necessary to polish plexiglass in two cases: after long-term use and after processing. During the cutting process, tools may leave rough edges, small cracks or chips. Subsequent use can also cause harm. appearance panels: the glass becomes dull, various defects appear on its surface, which causes distortion of the image.

During operation, scratches and other external defects may appear on the plexiglass; polishing is necessary to eliminate them.

Synthetic glass is more transparent than real glass, which is why it is used much more often. When defects and damage appear, it becomes normal plastic panel. If quite deep damage occurs on it in the form of scratches or the matte surface almost completely obscures the view, it is unlikely that the glass will be restored. However, you can eliminate the most serious defects and stick on a colored film, which will not only remove aesthetic imperfections, but also add strength.

Video “Polishing plexiglass at home”

From this video you will learn how to polish plexiglass at home.

Surface technologies

Today, specialists use several methods of polishing plexiglass, each of which is effective and suitable for repairing all types of defects.

Car polishes

Car cosmetics are one of the simplest methods for restoring plexiglass, which copes well with shallow scratches and other minor defects. To restore using this method, you need to purchase car polish and a soft cloth. Sometimes the grout material comes complete with polish. You can also use a grinder, equipping it with a special attachment. If you plan to polish carbon glass, the Compound brand of polish is suitable:

Before starting to process the entire surface, you need to test the polishing agent for small area– this will avoid consequences.
Compound is an excellent polish for plexiglass.
Next, you need to apply a little polish to the surface of the glass and rub it into the glass.
If a sander is used, it is necessary to monitor the speed, keeping it low to avoid burning the surface being polished.

Pastes

The method in which the paste plays a key role involves the use of GOI paste, a special substance used for polishing high-strength materials. To work with this technology, you will need fabric as a grouting material. A felt or felt rag will do. You can also use cotton wool pads sold in cosmetic stores. For post-processing, fine-grit sandpaper is used. This method is optimal for restoring glass that has served for a very long time:

You need to apply the paste to the surface of the glass panel.
The substance is rubbed into the glass using the selected grouting material.
Moistened with water sandpaper The polished surface is processed. The glass also needs to be kept damp.
The glass is wiped with a piece of soft cloth and again treated with GOI paste. This time felt is used for grouting.

Felt and sandpaper

Grouting with sandpaper will allow you to eliminate minor imperfections on the plexiglass surface in a short time, without putting much effort. Polishing using this method also involves the use of paste, but in this case you can purchase any substance at a hardware store. In addition, you will need two types of sandpaper - 800 and 200 grit, as well as felt or soft cloth:

The glass is carefully and evenly rubbed with 800-grit sandpaper, constantly moistened with water until the surface is completely matte and without visible damage.
The surface is wiped soft cloth and is processed with 2000 sandpaper. The panel should become completely transparent and have no defects.
Using a clean cloth, apply polishing paste and distribute it evenly throughout the glass. After a few seconds the material should become shiny.

Non-standard assistants

Paste is an optional component. There are many “folk” recipes for polishing organic glass, which have varying degrees of effectiveness. Sometimes craftsmen use regular toothpaste or chalk instead of polishing paste. Both of these substances provide a shiny, smooth surface and are applied with a soft cloth. Instead of fabric, you can use a towel made of natural material:

The selected polishing material is applied to a towel and rubbed in in a circular motion until the desired surface condition is obtained.
After polishing, the glass is washed with plain water.

Disadvantages of a self-performed procedure

Polishing plexiglass with your own hands has a number of disadvantages. Usually, independent work It takes a lot of time and requires a lot of effort, especially if you need to process a decent area. It is difficult to achieve a perfectly smooth surface without a single defect.

Microscratches and small cracks become invisible and it is no longer possible to eliminate them. If you need to remove a single defect, the difficulty of the procedure is that it is almost impossible to leave the surface around the scratch intact.

First of all, it is necessary to ensure the safety of polishing plexiglass. During processing, attention should be paid to the following points:

Spraying dichloroethane should be carried out with protected respiratory tracts: you need to wear a medical mask or respirator.
The room in which chemicals are handled must be constantly ventilated to avoid concentration harmful substances in the air.
Before starting to work with a power tool, you must ensure that it is in good working order, as well as the integrity of the power cable and the electrical network of the work area.
When working with sandpaper or grinder You should protect your eyes with goggles, as dust or small fragments may get into them.
To work you need to use protective gloves made of durable material to protect the skin of your hands from contact with it chemical substances and hard fragments. You need to select gloves according to the size so that excess fabric does not get into the tool and interfere with manual work.

Over time, the surface of the plexiglass becomes covered with scratches, loses its shine, various flaws begin to appear on it, and the reflection in it is significantly distorted. But it is still possible to return the glass to its previous appearance, although the process itself is labor-intensive and quite time-consuming. The main thing is to know how to polish plexiglass, be patient and not allow the material to become completely unusable.

Features of plexiglass

Plexiglas is a synthetic polymer consisting of a thermoplastic resin. It has many other names:

plexiglass;
acrylic glass;
transparent plastic;
carbonglass;
acryplast, etc.

Plexiglas has been known in Europe since 1933, although it was created back in 1928. At that time, plexiglass found its way into the aviation industry. Its properties such as transparency, shatterproofness and insensitivity to the effects of aviation gasoline were excellent for the design of the cockpit.

Domestic plexiglass appeared in 1936, and modern developments allowed the use of its composite versions even on MiG aircraft. What then to say about household use plexiglass, which is widely used:

in interiors;
when glazing openings and making transparent domes;
as decorative partitions;
in the production of shower cabins;
as a diffuser for fluorescent lamps and illuminated decorative elements;
for aquariums and molded products.

It is impossible to list all the applications of plexiglass, especially in industry. It is released:

colored;
transparent;
matte;
corrugated.

We can say with confidence that plexiglass looks great in any case, has a lot of advantages, but is prone to scuffs and scratches, which can be removed if you learn how to polish plexiglass. If the result is positive, it will last for a long time.

How to restore transparency and shine to plexiglass

To begin with, you should remember that when polishing organic glass you should not use highly abrasive or aggressive compounds. chemicals and coarse sandpaper. All of them will certainly lead to dulling of the surface and loss of aesthetics.

There are several ways to give plexiglass a second life, each of which has a right to exist. It should be noted that it is most convenient to work with glass that has been removed from the structure. In this case, tape is glued to the ends so that it extends a couple of millimeters onto the main surfaces of the plexiglass.

If it is not possible to remove the plexiglass for a number of reasons, then the adjacent surfaces of other materials will need to be covered with the same tape. Next, the glass is cleaned of dust and dirt with a piece of soft cloth.

It is important to know that prepared plexiglass is polished only by hand. Any machine processing leads to its damage due to the relatively fast processing.

Option 1

For the process of polishing plexiglass you will need following materials and tools:

sandpaper - with grit 2000 and 800;
a soft cloth, which can be replaced with felt or felt;
polishing paste.

Polishing begins with 800 grit sandpaper and a small amount of water. It is necessary to ensure the accuracy and uniformity of stripping. The surface after completing this stage turns out matte, but that’s how it should be. The main thing is that there are no potholes left. The glass is wiped with a soft cloth and the plexiglass is treated with finer sandpaper with a grit of 2000, as a result of which it becomes more transparent and scratches disappear on the surface.

Next, apply a polish in the form of a paste, available in a wide range in construction supermarkets, onto the plexiglass using a soft cloth, and continue polishing, evenly rubbing the composition over the surface of the glass. The effect of the appearance of shine on it can be seen in a few seconds.

Option 2

In this case you will need:

paste GOI;
soft fabric, or felt, felt, cotton pads, sold in cosmetic departments.

First, the paste is applied to plexiglass and polished using one of the above materials. Then it is processed with fine sandpaper dipped in water. Plexiglas is also sprayed with water; its surface should not remain dry during operation.

At the final stage, the glass is wiped with a soft cloth and again treated with GOI paste using felt. This option is recommended for polishing old plexiglass.

Option 3

There is a wide range of colorless car polishes from various manufacturers on the market. They are also suitable for polishing organic glass, but before starting the application process it would be a good idea to check on a small area of plexiglass what the result will be so that unforeseen situations do not occur.

If the test is successful, you can safely apply polish to the surface, carefully rubbing it with felt. After completing this stage, it is recommended to grind the plexiglass with machine oil.

There are still quite a lot of options for polishing plexiglass. Home craftsmen will be able to tell you about using scratch paper and a spray can with a burner, which is unsafe and, if used incorrectly, can lead to glass melting. Some craftsmen advise using self-prepared products, which include tooth powder or paste, wine vinegar or chalk.

But you shouldn’t take risks - it’s better to use proven technologies for polishing plexiglass!